In days gone by the coming of summer was a time of celebration as people welcomed the better weather and looked forward with hope, to a bountiful harvest. Children gathered wildflowers to make posies, to decorate themselves and altars dedicated to Mary. Flowers were strewn on doorsteps and hung above the entrance to home, byre and well to bring luck and protection from the faeries. In some parts of the country dancers wove ribbons around May poles and effigies of Mary were carried through the streets for the May Day parade. Here, you can read memories of May Days past and add your own, using our online form. We are particularly interested to uncover photographs of May customs, so if you have any images you can share then please email them to ouririshheritage@gmail.com
